“As we have said, we will investigate the accuracy of the allegations and take all appropriate action. We do not condone or tolerate improper conduct in our athletic programs.”

T. Boone Pickens, a major OSU donor who was named in the story, but was not implicated in the report released the following statement Tuesday afternoon:

“There’s one word I have for the Sports Illustrated reporting on Oklahoma State University: Disappointing.

"This series is not reflective of Oklahoma State University today. Many of their (Sports Illustrated's) sensational allegations go back a decade ago.

"There have been wholesale changes at the school in recent years in leadership and facilities. During that time, I have given more than $500 million to OSU for athletics and academics.

"Have I gotten my money’s worth? You bet. We have a football program that has a commitment to principled sportsmanship.

"They understand the expectations we, as fans and supporters, have for the program. We have an incredible and growing fan base, and a loyal group of alumi that believe in the character of our players, coaches and administrators.

"But I do welcome this scrutiny. If people take the time, it’s an opportunity to better understand where Oklahoma State is today, not a decade ago. It’s a different university today. It’s a better university. If there are areas where we need to improve, we’ll do it.

"Which leads me back to my disappointment with Sports Illustrated, and their failure to ask the most important question of all: What’s happening at OSU today?"

Oklahoma State Athletic Director Mike Holder sent a clarification from statements made during Monday’s news conference.

“In Monday’s news conference, I apologized to our fans and mentioned phone calls I had made to other Big 12 athletic directors prior to the release of the first article from Sports Illustrated. To clarify, my apology was in regards to the negative publicity that was coming our way. My apology was in no way an admission of wrongdoing by OSU Athletics.”

John Talley was implicated as a person who paid athletes for work not completed. Talley is the area director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. John O’Dell, the state director of the FCA, released the following statement about the allegations, which Talley disputed to Sports Illustrated:

“John Talley has been a valued member of the FCA staff for 20 years. I believe in John as a man of integrity who has made a tremendous impact for Jesus Christ on the lives of countless coaches and athletes during his career.

"The outpouring of support from both current and former coaches and athletes for John during this time has not only a been a blessing for John, but a testament to his character."

The FCA National Support Center said it would not be appropriate for it to comment further while investigations by Oklahoma State University and the NCAA are in progress.

The NCAA also declined to comment, stating rules prevented it from commenting on current, pending or potential investigations.

Alex Weintz, the communications director for Gov. Mary Fallin, said:

"Governor Fallin is a proud OSU alumna who loves her school. The allegations regarding improprieties in the football program, however, are disturbing and disappointing.

"The governor believes these allegations should be, and are being, investigated thoroughly. She is confident that President Burns Hargis and university leadership are taking these problems seriously and will take the appropriate steps to address the issue."

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